Would like some input from some of you that are doing II work with your stock. I assume that I need a stereo dissecting microscope but don't know what power rating to get. Any idea's on brand names or features needed? I'm thinking about building my own instrument but going to purchase a Harbo syringe.

I can't personally recommend one but I can guess at the sort of resolution you need. You need to be able to see something smaller thatn a tad, smaller than a smidgen, something about the size of a bee's ...... :-D

Would like some input from some of you that are doing II work with your stock. I assume that I need a stereo dissecting microscope but don't know what power rating to get. Any idea's on brand names or features needed? I'm thinking about building my own instrument but going to purchase a Harbo syringe.

Why not contact Latshaw Apiaries Dr. Joseph Latshaw at 614.855.9065 or j.latshaw@aol.com for questions, availability, or to place an order.

"Tell me and I'll forget,show me and I may remember,involve me and I'll understand" Chinese Proverb

"The farmer is the only man in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways." John F. KennedyFranklin County Beekeepers Association MA. http://www.franklinmabeekeepers.org/

I would also like to know about this or any other scope for II.I have contacted Joe but his instrument is not my choice. Joe states on his web site that the insemination of a queen can be done with 20% less time. I am interested in how it compares when inseminating 20 to 100 queens at one time.

1. Latshaw inst. $1135.002. Microscope $350.003. Fiber optic light $350/004. Co2 regulator-tank $150.00I think his method is faster because you spend less time grabbing the sting with the forceps. The others, you have to thread the sting into the holder, adjust it, and then release it.You have to have good dexterity to use all the II instruments.

I don't know of anyone that sits down to do twenty at a time. I think you will find doing 10 a big enough chore. Remember you have to collect enough semen to do 10 queens too.I forgot, you have to ad the price of an autoclave to the list. I'm told a pressure cooker works OK.